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Maldives remains favourite amongst Chinese travellers, new survey finds
Maldives ranks amongst the most favoured holiday destinations for Chinese travellers over the next year, a new survey by Hotels.com has revealed.
According to Hotels.com’s Chinese International Travel Monitor (CITM) survey, the key factors for Chinese travellers to choose their next holiday destination has safety on top of the list, with historical or heritage reasons and bucket lists being the next two important factors. Taking those factors into account, Singapore is the most favoured destination for Chinese travellers in the next 12 months.
The other nine cities are the Maldives, Sydney, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Australia’s Gold Coast, Hokkaido, Kuala Lumpur and Seoul.
More spending power, longer stays
The survey noted that Chinese tourists, in general, are expected to spend a daily average of USD 446, with average stay of seven days per visit when they travel. Overall, they are spending more than a quarter (28 percent) of their income on international travel, with millennials being the biggest spenders, allocating 35 percent of their income to travel, it said.
According to the survey, the average amount spent per day, inclusive of accommodation, also increased by eight percent to USD 446 from USD 414 in 2016. For the first time in the survey’s history, shopping is no longer the prime reason for international travel, as leisure, culture and eco tourism are the new flavours.
Looking ahead, Chinese travellers said they intend to spend an average of 10 percent more on travel over the next 12 months.
The new generation
The survey, which was carried out amongst Chinese travellers aged 18 to 57 who have travelled overseas in the past 12 months, said there is a new generation of travellers rising in China – the ‘more generation’. Comprising Chinese travellers of all age groups, they are more educated and increasingly sophisticated in their tastes and expectations. They want more of everything; more time travelling, more locations, more exotic experiences, and they are spending more.
This generation is also providing huge economic benefits to global economies as they are traveling internationally more often and for longer than ever before. In the past year, the number of trips they took worldwide increased from three to four, and the length of stay from five to seven days. They are also visiting multiple cities per trip, with over 80 percent saying they would not just stay in a single city.
Jessica Chuang, Hotels.com’s Regional Marketing Director for Greater China, SEA and India, believes that with the rising Chinese middle-class with vast disposable income, countries cannot ignore the impact that the Chinese tourist can have on a country’s economy.
“Southeast Asia has been identified as a key market to have significant increased outbound travel of Chinese tourists,” she was quoted as saying.
“Cities and hotels across the region must look at how to best develop solutions that tap into their enormous spending power.”
According to Hotels.com, hotels across Asia Pacific have started to recognise what is needed and have turned to social media and marketing programmes to attract the Chinese traveller, while increasing the number of Mandarin speaking staff, and offering Chinese payment facilities.
China has maintained its position as the single biggest source market despite falling numbers over the past year. In 2016, the Maldives welcomed 324,326 visitors from China, which was a 9.8 percent drop compared to the previous year. China has continued its downward spiral this year as well with a 9.1 percent drop in Chinese arrivals during the first five months of the year.
As arrivals from China drop steadily, the Maldives has recently announced plans to step up marketing in China in order to increase the number of Chinese tourists to one million per year.
Photo: CNN
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo has been honoured with a prestigious accolade, being named among the top 10% of hotels worldwide in the 2025 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards. This esteemed recognition highlights the resort’s unwavering commitment to providing exceptional guest experiences and earning rave reviews from travellers across the globe.
Selected from hundreds of thousands of listings, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo’s inclusion in the prestigious list is a testament to its dedication to offering authentic, heartfelt experiences for its guests. The resort’s personalised service and its ability to deliver unique, memorable stays have made it a favourite among travellers seeking tranquility and authenticity.
Situated in the pristine Gaafu Alifu Atoll, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo is an adults-only boutique resort that blends local Maldivian culture with modern luxury. The resort features 68 beautifully designed villas that offer guests the ultimate in privacy and comfort. Known for its house reef teeming with vibrant marine life, the resort provides an immersive experience in the Maldives’ natural beauty. Guests can explore the coral reefs, enjoy a variety of international dining options, and indulge in a genuine sense of discovery.
With its focus on providing a serene escape for couples and solo travellers, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo has become a cherished destination for those looking to unwind and recharge in an idyllic setting. Its recent recognition from TripAdvisor further underscores the resort’s exceptional reputation in the hospitality industry.
Maldives has once again secured its place as one of the world’s most coveted honeymoon destinations, ranking second globally among Americans planning their post-wedding getaways in 2025.
According to a new study by UK-based swimwear brand Pour Moi, which analysed Google search data across the United States, the Maldives received 73,700 annual searches from honeymooning Americans eager to escape to its world-famous turquoise waters and luxury overwater villas.
The Indian Ocean paradise trails just behind Seychelles, which claimed the top spot with nearly 75,000 searches. Greece, Costa Rica, and Italy rounded out the top five.
The research examined over 490 global destinations to uncover where newlyweds are dreaming of heading this year. With its postcard-perfect beaches, serene lagoons, and opulent resorts offering private pools, spas, and gourmet dining, the Maldives continues to stand out as the ultimate destination for romance, relaxation, and indulgence.
“This stunning group of islands remains one of the most sought-after spots for couples who want an unforgettable start to married life,” said Marina Nicoli, Marketing Manager at Pour Moi. “The Maldives offers that rare combination of seclusion, natural beauty, and luxury that honeymooners crave.”
While entire countries were ranked based on interest, individual destinations within these countries also caught the spotlight. Santorini, Greece, emerged as the top individual honeymoon destination, followed by Bali in Indonesia and Italy’s Amalfi Coast. However, the Maldives’ reputation as an all-encompassing destination—offering entire islands as private resorts—cements its appeal to Americans looking for the perfect blend of privacy and pampering.
The Maldives’ second-place ranking highlights a continuing trend among U.S. couples seeking intimate, far-flung getaways. Pour Moi’s findings show a shift away from traditional city escapes toward nature-rich retreats that promise rest, romance, and Instagram-worthy moments.
Top 10 Countries for U.S. Honeymoon Searches in 2025:
- Seychelles – 74,960 searches
- Maldives – 73,700 searches
- Greece – 49,100 searches
- Costa Rica – 47,000 searches
- Italy – 36,900 searches
- Thailand – 25,800 searches
- Fiji – 25,600 searches
- Japan – 24,500 searches
- New Zealand – 18,300 searches
- Iceland – 15,180 searches
With the Maldives already a firm favourite among international travellers, this new data reaffirms its global status as a dream destination—especially for couples ready to celebrate the start of their forever.
Nestled on the serene lagoon side of Kuramathi and overlooking the vast Indian Ocean, Inguru offers more than just a dining experience—it provides a sensory escape. The restaurant’s contemporary design, featuring elegant wooden accents, open-air seating, and soothing tones, harmonises with the natural beauty of its surroundings. Whether serving a casual lunch or hosting a romantic evening meal, Inguru creates a stylish yet relaxed ambiance that enhances every moment. Between 11:00 and 17:00 hrs, guests can enjoy light and flavourful Asian dishes with a Western twist—ideal for a leisurely midday break by the water.
As the sun sets, Inguru transforms into a refined dinner venue, offering a curated Asian Fusion menu from 19:00 to 22:30 hrs, open to guests aged six and above. The newly introduced dishes celebrate bold, fresh flavours, including Coconut & Pineapple Cooked Shrimp Ceviche, Tarragon-Flavoured Octopus Tartare, and Soy Marinated Salmon Bruschetta. Main courses feature richly spiced Indonesian Beef Rendang, aromatic Mas Kirugarudiya reef fish curry, and Kukulhu Musanmaa presented with a modern twist on traditional recipes.
With its picturesque setting and flavourful cuisine, Inguru delivers a truly memorable island dining experience, whether by day or night.
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